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How to fix campervan door and attach watertank?

Hi,

I do this the first time, so I apologise if these questions for help to stupid 😀.

1. Our 'tailgate door' is held up by a pole. It's working, but inconvenient as we will attach a tent. I thought about gas struts or something you could think off. I have attached photos, so you have an idea what I am working with.

2. I would like to secure one watertank to the a-frame. How would you do it? Photos attached.

If you have any ideas, could you be specific about what parts etc. I exactly need to buy.

Thank you very much in advance 😊, Alexander

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @nonamenorea,

Thank you for your questions about improvements to your camper.

I think gas struts or support stays like this Goliath Silver Metal Cover Stay would be the best way to go. The two main things we would need to do are ensure there is an adequate method for mounting them and that they are suitable for the weight of the door.

Is it possible to get some photos showing the frame around the opening more closely so we can see how struts or stays could attach?

You might have to attach something to the inside edge of the frame to mount struts to.

You can use this Gas Struts Calculator to work out what strength struts you'll require for your door.

To attach the water tank to the frame, I would suggest creating a base frame for the water tank to sit in using 30 x 30 x 1.15mm x 2.4m Galvanised Steel Angle. Cut two pieces to the length and two to the width of the water tank, then attach them in a rectangle using stainless steel rivets. You can then attach this rectangular frame to your trailer's frame using Zenith 8G x 20mm Galvanised Button Head Metal Screws.

You could then use a couple of octopus straps or ratchet straps to attach the water tank to your frame. This would make a designated spot for the water tank to sit in, while still being relatively simple to remove when you need to fill it.

Allow me to tag @Noyade, @AlanM52 and @Dave-1 to see if they have any ideas they can add.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good afternoon @nonamenorea

To add to @JacobZ 's suggestions I am thinking of adding a fold down post to the door. So the gas struts can lift it no worries but when you want to support a tent from it then the fold down post can be used as an added support. Fold down as in having a hinge so you can lift and clip it to the underside of the door when open. I dont know how reliable just gas struts would work securing a tent.

With adding a water bladder to the A frame, I wonder if it will effect the towing center of gravity? It would be something I would get check out by a professional installer. (I am thinking of the video like this Tongue Weight Safety Demonstration )

Dave

AlanM52

Good evening @nonamenorea,

I am thinking tent poles, guy ropes and plastic storage crate.

Tent pole2.jpg

As per @JacobZ's request:
RE: Is it possible to get some photos showing the frame around the opening more closely so we can see how struts or stays could attach?

Use a large plastic crate which will help to reduce weight and secure with ratchet straps.

Screenshot 2025-09-21 203324.jpg

I am suggesting not to fix that to the tow bar so can make more use of it on campsite for washing up, filled with ice & drinks or turned upside down for a table etc. As suggested think about load weight,load distribution and tow bar weight.

Cheers

nonamenorea

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57296#Comment_57296

Thank you for your reply. In a few days, I will be able to send more pictures. The camper is currently with the sparky.

nonamenorea

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57297#Comment_57297

Thank you Dave.

The tent itself is an air tent, so the door of the camper won't bear any weight of it. I want the door in the tent so the tent neatly fits to the end of the camper

nonamenorea

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57312#Comment_57312

Thank you Alan.

I like the crate idea. I will get it weight and see what the impact of a full watertank would be.

nonamenorea

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57296#Comment_57296

Hello Jacob,

I got my camper back. Here are some more photos. Thank you

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91236#Comment_91236

Hi @nonamenorea,

Thank you for the additional photos.

Now, having seen the inside of the camper, I reckon gas struts would be feasible if you installed some timber framing on each side of the opening.

You could use 70x35 framing, attached to the top and bottom plate with angle brackets and timber screws, with some additional screws into the back of the framing through the outside shell of the camper.

Once this framing is in place, you would have to use the Gas Struts Calculator to select appropriately strong struts for this application.

If you can advise on the width of the door and the estimated weight, I would be happy to point you to a suitable strut.

Jacob

nonamenorea

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111582#Comment_111582

Thank you very much. I will come back to you with the information.

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